Andy Murray lost in the Rome Masters Round of 16 yesterday to David Ferrer of Spain to further compound his recent poor form. This was hardly the result Murray needed to show he was coming out of a slump but having said that, Ferrer is a man in form. Ferrer has consistently made semis and even finals in the last 6 weeks, the previous two tournaments he has not because he has met Nadal. Hardly a shabby record.

Ferrer is 20/1 with Boylesports to win in Rome and he avoids Nadal until the final. Fistly he must face Tsonga and Betfred offer 4/9, indicating the bookies are becoming savvy to his talents.

Rafa Nadal is heavy fav, 2/9 with 888sport to win his 5th Rome title in 6 years. He faces Wawrinka in the quarters. Wawrinka can be backed at 16/1 with Betdaq.

Novak Djokovic is the stand out 2nd seed but finds himself up against tricky Spaniard Fernando Verdasco. Djokovic is 4/7 to win with Stan James and 9/1 with Boylesports to win the tournament.

In the other quarter, Gulbis and Lopez meet in what must surely be seen as a number filler. The winner will possibly face Nadal in the semi. All the same, Gulbis is 1/2 with Victor Chandler to progress.